Spiced coffee: A comforting beverage with rich layers of depth and complexity
Variations like India's masala coffee, Yemen's qishr, and modern spiced lattes blend warm spices with milk for a creamy, aromatic experience.
Coffee has long been a beloved staple in Kenya, sipped in the early hours of the morning to shake off sleep, shared over conversations in homes and cafés and enjoyed as a comforting pause during a busy day.
But lately, the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee carries something extra: a hint of spice.
I first tried spiced coffee from one of those tea and coffee hawkers who roam the streets with large flasks, balancing trays of mandazis and other small bites. The aroma hit me before I even took a sip, warm, rich and laced with something extra.
It was not the usual plain coffee; there was a hint of ginger, maybe a touch of cinnamon, and a depth of flavour that felt both familiar and new.
Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves and even black pepper are finding their way into cups across the country, transforming ordinary coffee into a rich, aromatic experience that blends tradition with modern indulgence.
But in case you do not know, spiced coffee is not a new concept. Across different cultures, adding spices to coffee has been a long-standing tradition.
In Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, it is common to find ginger-infused brews, while in the Middle East, cardamom is a key ingredient in their signature strong, fragrant coffee.
High-quality Arabica beans
Kenya, known globally for its high-quality Arabica beans, is now embracing this flavourful evolution, as spiced coffee shifts from an occasional specialty to an everyday favourite and now among the common street foods in the country.
Also, tea and coffee vendors who sell coffee in flasks often add ginger or cinnamon, not just for flavour but also for its warming and digestive benefits.
“In fact, most of my customers are boda boda and matatu operators who need something warm in the evening as they brave the cold wind while working. The coffee warms their system," says James Kimani, a boda boda rider in Eastleigh.
"But it’s not just them; business owners, passers-by and even construction workers stop by for a cup. There’s no limit to who enjoys it.”
For many Kenyans, the taste is nostalgic, reminiscent of traditional drinks like dawa, which blends honey, lemon and ginger, or masala chai, which is brewed with a mix of spices.
Home-grown spices
The move toward spiced coffee is not just about enhancing flavour; it also speaks to a growing appreciation for natural ingredients and home-grown spices.
At local coffee houses, baristas are also experimenting with bold spice combinations, offering customers options like cinnamon mochas, cardamom lattes and ginger-infused espressos.
The trend is also making its way into homes.
More Kenyans are adding a dash of cinnamon or a sprinkle of nutmeg to their morning brew, recreating the rich, spiced flavours that were once reserved for high-end cafés.
Some prefer to grind their coffee beans with whole spices, while others steep spices in hot water before mixing it with brewed coffee. The result is a warm, comforting drink with layers of depth and complexity.
But beyond taste, spiced coffee is gaining popularity for its health benefits. Ginger and cinnamon are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, cardamom aids digestion, and cloves have antimicrobial effects.
Spiced coffee is gaining popularity not just for its bold flavours but also for its potential health benefits.
Wellness benefits
"Spices like cinnamon help regulate blood sugar levels, while ginger aids digestion and boosts immunity. When combined with coffee, they enhance both the taste and the overall wellness benefits, making it a great alternative for those looking to enjoy their caffeine with added health perks." Dr Wincate Wangari, a Nanyuki-based nutritionist, tells The Eastleigh Voice.
As more people lean towards natural wellness solutions, spiced coffee is becoming a go-to drink for those looking to combine indulgence with health-conscious choices.
And if you are wondering if you can add milk to spicy coffee, the answer is yes; milk can be added to spiced coffee, creating a smooth, rich balance to the bold flavours of the spices.
Variations like India's masala coffee, Yemen's qishr, and modern spiced lattes blend warm spices with milk for a creamy, aromatic experience.
This resurgence of spiced coffee also reflects a broader trend of rediscovering and reinventing traditional flavours.
Whether enjoyed as a morning ritual, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a social drink shared among friends, spiced coffee is proving to be more than just a passing trend.
It is a flavourful celebration of history, culture and the evolving palate of Kenyan coffee lovers.
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